Volunteers Deliver on the Overlake Promise
These days, Becky Silliman's Kirkland home resembles more of a curbside takeout restaurant than a residence.
Boxes and bags full of goodies and senior essentials are coming out of her front door to waiting volunteers who will deliver them to the Class of 2020. This year's graduation was a first for the Middle and Upper School Coordinator who joined Overlake last summer. "This situation has definitely made this year's event a constant work in progress," says Silliman from the her front yard. "There's been a lot more than graduation coming out of my home. From redesigning planners to creating Teams Meetings for families, it's been a unique experience, but the goal is always to make it a fun time and celebration for our entire community."
Wednesday was no different as a fleet of vehicles stopped in front of her home to pick up graduation supplies such as caps and gowns. Also included were some celebratory items for the seniors last day which featured a virtual toast with sparkling cider. 78-seniors received their gift bags from volunteer parents and staff who dodged heavy rain and hail to make deliveries. Those volunteers include many senior parents like Diane Baron who made deliveries in Redmond and Bellevue. "It is such a loss for a lot of the parents so to do these events and volunteer is really important to me," says Baron who has two kids attending Overlake, Jack ('20) and younger brother Luke ('22). "It's a double positive because it's so fun for the kids, but also, as a parent, it's great to see how our community is honoring our kids now and know that Overlake will be there in the future."
Parent Volunteer Diane Baron Delivers Senior Supplies
One of the stops on Baron's list was the home of Aiden J. ('20). "I already had my last class, and it was pretty emotional," says Aiden who will attend the University of Washington this fall. "At this point, I want to graduate and get ready for college so something like this shows me that they've got my back and will support me. I know I'm not alone going through this." Aiden's mom Farzana Rahman agrees and says that support hasn't only been there with Aiden, but also his younger sister Aisha who is an Overlake fifth grader. "These are crazy times with all of us working and studying from home and is extraordinarily challenging. If it wasn't for the Overlake community keeping us connected with teachers and friends, I think we would have just lost our minds!"
Senior Aiden J. gets his graduation necessities delivered Wednesday. He's joined by his mom and sister
On Thursday morning, on a date in which they'd usually take over the campus in celebration of their final day on campus, the seniors quietly toasted to a great Upper School career at Overlake.
On Thursday, the Class of 2020 celebrated their final day of class with a toast with the sparkling cider and glassware in their graduation bags.